Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-12-17
Preparations for the Last
Sad Rites.
Governor Marble ASsums thu
Executive Chair.
What He Says to aJournal Representa-
tive About His Predecessor and Himself.
Complete Particulars OF the Plans 10,
Both Private and Public Funerals.

ing contrast to the gay and flashing bunting
Of the Governors reception of last winter.
caused by the sombre and funeral drapings
that now hang in the rotunda of the State
House. Occasion has been when il was
necessary to display the solemn black in these
chambers but never before TO such an extent
as at present. And yet never before have
the people of the State of Maine been called
upon to mourn such personal loss and pub
lie calamity as has now come upon them. The
silence that pervaded the building added an
impressveness to the scene, The eve could
not glance in any direction but that it read
the sorrow, in symbols, of those who have
realized the meaning of all that has taken
place. With uncovered heads those who had
come to these halls quietly walked beneath
the heavy black folds and almost in whispers
deplored the misfortune of the State. There
was no joy; all was sadness.
The Journal representative was received
by Governor Marble in the executive chamber.
now made solemn and mournful as never be
fore. The warm grasp of the Governors hand
u
feeling of sorrow which has suddenly come
to him. II had no idea" said he, ''that such
unwelcome news would come to me. had
concluded from the reports in the daily
papers that Governor Bodwell was improving
and the grief occasioned by the sudleaness of
his death has quite unnamed me. 1t is not
with some; have known Governor
Bodwell many years, | have known his large
business capacity, have known his ex-
ceptonal abilities, | have known his large
soul and his unmpeachabe integrity.
Yes. the State has lost great and
good man, man whose love
for his State has prompted him to exert
an uneqaalled endeavor in promoting her
industrial growth. The State has lost an
executive who tried to faithfully and honestly
execute its laws in the highest degree of
Justice. have not yet really recovered
from the first shock of the sudden news that
was conveyed to me on Thursday and of
course have made no plans whatever.
GLOW about your health Governor"
81 have enjoyed better health since my
duties as president of the Senate here last
winter than have for some time. have
this fall spent some six or eight weeks in the
woods, having what sport ! could but gaining
strength and increasing my powers of endur-
ance principally. Invent there for the latter pur-
pose really to assist in the recuperating pro-
cess that was already going on. Yes, am
very we'll am happy to say"
During the year have engaged in but
little business. | have managed my farming
matters and have engaged some in law, but
only to such an extent as | felt obliged TO
out of personal favors to my friends | have
Just completed a reference case at Waldo
boro."
81 How do feel about the new duties that de-
volve upon me2 Well, must tell you frankly
that have had no desire for any further
official life. | have felt this way for some
time. when completed my duties as u.
s. Marshal said then that had had enough
service in office, Whenmy friends suggested
that should accept the presidency of the
Senate told them that preferred not to
undertake important position.
felt that had done enough.
But they urged strongly, saving that it
ought to be acknowledged by the honor,
that accepted it and performed my duties
as well as | could. But if | could have
looked into the future and have seen the
importance of that acceptance as | now
realize IL should have refused the honor.
Yet these unforeseen incidents and shadows of
life must be passed through. Life is not all
bright accepted the presidency of the SEN
ate subject to liabilities that must necessarily
attach to any undertaking. And yet repeat
should have shrunk from this step of my
life had been torcwarned. The deplored
calamity that has come TO as places me in
this position and enter upon the duties as
Governor of Maine with the firm resolve of
performing the duties of the office faithfully,
honestly, conscientiously, fearlessly and in
the hes, interests of the people of the State
There is one condition that renders my
present position much more pleasant and
agreeable than ii perhaps might otherwise be
1t is also very gratifying to me to know that
each and every member of the Council hold
with me the most friendly and pleasant re-
lations Nv duties will be rendered much
lighter by such happy relations. There will
be no session of the Council until the 9th, of
this month, the date of the last Adjournment
unless. perhaps. an informal or special meet
ING to make arrangements or take some action
upon the death of Governor Bodwel.
II notice that it is the general opinion of
the papers that will not have to take an oath
of office This opinion is only the newspaper
version of the opinion of the Supreme Court
as recorded in the 10th Maine which you can
consult We give it for the benefit OF our
readers. ..Cnder the letter of the CONSTITUTIONS
ii is at least doubtful whether the President
of the Senate is required TO take new OATH
before exercising the office of Governor,
when that office has become vacant in the
manner specified therein. The practice since
the organization of the State, has, we believe,
been uniform against requiring such new
oath and to such practical Interpretation OF
the constitution, in the absence of express
provision or manifest intention TO the con-
trary, we think should be given. If should
state any preference in the matter would
say that think it right and proper that
should take such an oath. But you viii mo-
tee that the decision of this court was not
based upon correct premises. The facts are /,
williamson, Ames and Cutler took oath or
Office when they assumed the position, and
kavanaugh and Williams did not. The|
precedent is as far as a majority goes,
against the statement of the premises OF
the court cannot tell what shall do I'M
'ne matter. | shall do what is right though
and what advised by those who are concern1
ed"